25/06/2026
H5 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update for Pet Owners
You may have seen recent news regarding the detection of H5 Avian Influenza (bird flu) in a wild bird in WA. While this news is concerning, authorities are actively monitoring the situation and working to understand the extent of any spread.
As a pet owner, there are a few simple precautions you can take:
✅ Avoid contact with sick or deceased birds and wildlife
✅ Keep dogs on lead around areas where birds congregate if possible
✅ Prevent pets from investigating, chasing, or scavenging dead wildlife
✅ Wash your hands thoroughly after handling birds or visiting areas with large numbers of wild birds
Signs of avian influenza in wild birds can include:
🐦 Sudden death
🐦 Difficulty standing, flying, or moving normally
🐦 Difficulty breathing, coughing, or sneezing
🐦 Swelling around the eyes, head, or neck
🐦 Neurological signs such as tremors or circling
If you find a sick or deceased bird:
❌ Do not touch or handle it
📸 Take a photo if safe to do so and record the location
📞 Report multiple sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
At this stage, the risk to the general public remains low, and bird flu does not spread easily from birds to people. Most human cases reported globally have involved close contact with infected animals.
If you have concerns about your pet's health, please contact our team for advice.
